Cedarwood, Atlantic Essential Oil
Cedrus atlantica

Calming, purifying, and treats cellulite. Tonifying for kidneys, spleen, pancreas.
Essential Facts
- Country of Origin:Morocco
- Plant Parts:Wood
- Cultivation Method:Wild Harvested
- Note Classification:Middle/Base
- Method of Extraction:Steam or Hydro Distillation
- Botanical Family:Pinaceae
- Chemical Family: Sesquiterpenes, Sesquiterpenols
- Extraction Date: December 2015
- Approx. Shelf Life: older it gets the better it gets
What Stillpoint "Nose"
Fun Facts:
- The Time Traveler's Wood Preservative: Cedarwood oil is like a time machine for your woodwork. In its mission to preserve and protect, it harkens back to its ancestors, used in ancient times to construct and preserve the mighty pyramids. Coat your treasured wooden artifacts in this essence of endurance, and let them stand the test of time.
- The Old-World Photographer's Secret: Imagine being in a dimly lit room, the smell of cedarwood oil hanging heavy in the air. This was the reality of photographers from a bygone era. This woody elixir was their trusty aide in the challenging process of developing early photographs, making it a snapshot in the timeline of photographic evolution.
- The Moth Magician: Are moths staging a rebellion in your wardrobes? Use the mystical properties of cedarwood oil to banish them. Few drops on a cotton ball and voila! Your clothes are no longer a moth's feast.
- The Green Thumb's Weapon: Armed with cedarwood oil, gardeners wage war against plant-munching pests. This nature-friendly soldier, when sprayed on the foliage, shows who's boss, all without harming Mother Earth.
- The Sportsman's Scent-Shield: Does your gym gear reek of relentless effort? The invigorating aroma of cedarwood oil swoops in to save the day, transforming your gym bag from a fortress of funk to a bastion of freshness.
- The Soapmaker's Muse: Crafters of artisanal soaps treasure the masculine, earthy aroma of cedarwood oil. It's a journey into the heart of a forest, encapsulated within the humble confines of a soap bar.
- The Spiritual Synergist: In sacred rituals and spiritual ceremonies, cedarwood oil has been revered as a grounding force. It's a bridge between the physical world and the realm of the intangible, fostering a connection that calms and purifies the spirit.
Traditional Use of Cedarwood, Atlantic
- Sedative: Cedarwood oil is often used in aromatherapy due to its potential calming and soothing effects. Some research suggests that inhalation of cedarwood oil can have sedative effects, possibly due to the presence of cedrol, which might have a relaxing effect on the nervous system.
- Antiseptic Properties: Cedarwood oil has been traditionally used for its potential antiseptic properties. Some studies have shown that the oil can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi, suggesting potential applications in preventing infections.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: There is some research indicating that cedarwood oil may have anti-inflammatory properties, making it potentially useful in alleviating symptoms of conditions associated with inflammation.
- Insect Repellent: The oil is also known for its insecticidal properties. It has been used to repel insects like mosquitoes and moths. Certain components of cedarwood oil, like cedrol and cedrene, may have repellant effects against certain types of insects.
- Dermatological Uses: Anecdotal evidence suggests that cedarwood oil may help with skin conditions such as acne and eczema. However, more rigorous scientific research is needed in this area.
- Hair Growth: There is some preliminary evidence suggesting that cedarwood oil may promote hair growth. A study published in the Archives of Dermatology found that a mixture of essential oils, including cedarwood oil, improved hair growth in people with alopecia areata, a condition that causes hair loss.
Botany
Energetics and Chakras
1st Chakra - survival and support, Expansive, Grounding, Protective, PurifyingEnergetic, Spiritual, and Emotional Qualities of Cedarwood, Atlantic
Cedarwood tree is a majestic tree and imparts an energetic strength and fortitude. It is grounding and calming and helps us to feel more centered and balanced. When we use this oil, we feel the wisdom and clarity of the tree being infused into our energy.
- Grounding: Atlas cedarwood is often associated with grounding energy. It's believed to help stabilize and ground the spirit, promoting feelings of strength and resilience.
- Calming: It has a warm, woody scent that is often used for calming and comforting purposes. It may help to soothe stress, anxiety, and tension.
- Revitalizing: Despite its calming nature, atlas cedarwood is also considered energizing or revitalizing. It might help to stimulate the mind and body, promoting clarity and focus.
- Wisdom and Strength: Cedar trees, in general, are often seen as symbols of wisdom and strength due to their longevity and resilience. They're considered sacred in various cultures.
- Protection: In various traditions, cedar is believed to carry protective properties. It's used in cleansing rituals to ward off negative energy.
- Connection with the Divine: In some spiritual practices, the Atlas Cedarwood is considered a bridge between the human and the divine, facilitating spiritual communication and growth.
Traditional Folklore
- Sacred Symbolism: In many cultures, cedar trees are considered sacred. They symbolize wisdom, abundance, and protection. The trees are often planted by temples and used in religious ceremonies.
- Lebanese Cedar: Although not the Atlas cedar, the closely related Lebanese cedar has a long history in ancient civilizations. It's frequently mentioned in the Bible and was used by Solomon in the construction of his temple in Jerusalem. The Lebanese cedar is also a national symbol of Lebanon and is depicted on the country's flag.
- Native American Traditions: Among many Native American tribes, cedar trees (generally Thuja and Juniperus species in North America, not Cedrus) have important spiritual significance. They're used in purification rituals, and their boughs are often used to make ceremonial objects.
- Moroccan Folklore: In Morocco, home to the Atlas Cedar, there are traditions of using cedar wood in local handicrafts and construction, symbolizing strength and durability.
- Ancient Egypt: In ancient Egypt, the cedar of Lebanon, a relative of the Atlas cedar, was revered and used for building ships and construction of sarcophagi. The resins were also used in the mummification process. The Egyptians considered the cedar as a symbol of eternal life.
- Ancient Greece and Rome: Both the Greeks and Romans held cedar trees in high esteem. The Greeks associated the tree with the gods, specifically Artemis. In Rome, cedar oil was used as an insect repellent and to preserve scrolls and texts from decay and insect damage.
- Celtic Folklore: In Celtic traditions, trees were of significant importance and each had its own meanings and associations. While their lore is mostly tied to native tree species, similar trees were often linked to imported ones. An evergreen like the cedar was often associated with immortality and incorruptibility.
- Himalayan Folklore: The deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara), native to the Himalayas, has been considered a divine tree and a "tree of the gods". The wood was used to create temples and its resin was used in Ayurvedic medicine.
- Jewish Tradition: The cedar tree is often mentioned in the Bible and is associated with beauty, strength, and majesty. The righteous are often compared to the cedar in the Bible, signifying their strength and deeply rooted faith.
Therapeutic Benefits of Cedarwood, Atlantic
Anti-bacterial, Anti-infectious, Astringent, Carminative, Cicatrisant, Diuretic, Expectorant, SedativeAroma-Chemistry of Cedarwood, Atlantic
- Himachalene: This is a sesquiterpene hydrocarbon that is often one of the main constituents of Atlas Cedarwood oil. It's known for its woody and spicy aroma.
- α-Cedrene & β-Cedrene: These are sesquiterpenes that contribute to the characteristic cedarwood fragrance.
- Cedrol: This is a sesquiterpene alcohol and is one of the primary constituents of many cedarwood oils, contributing to their woody, sweet aroma. It's also often used in the perfume industry.
- Thujopsene: Another sesquiterpene hydrocarbon, which is also found in other essential oils like cypress and junipe
Aroma of Cedarwood, Atlantic
Balsamic, Slightly camphoraceous, Sweet, WoodyRecipes and Blends
- Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) - 4 drops
- Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) - 3 drops
- Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) - 2 drops
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - 5 drops
- Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) - 3 drops
- Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) - 5 drops
- German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) - 4 drops
- Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) - 3 drops
- Rose (Rosa damascena) - 2 drops
- Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) - 3 drops
- Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) - 3 drops
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) - 4 drops
- Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) - 2 drops
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - 4 drops
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita) - 2 drops